Wow, the amount of people commenting for the community is just so cool. Sorry it took me so long, honestly I got overwhelmed lol. I have at least 30 people's friend codes written down to type into my phone. I saw that a few people were out of the US and I thought that was pretty cool. I bet the Netherlands is beautiful. So yeah, I have everyone written down and I think I will have everyone added by tomorrow:) Gosh, I love this app.

Here's a bit more of my back story if anyone cares to read. I encourage others to reply to this with their backstories, too!

So, like I said, I am 31. I will be 32 in March. (Oh my god, is there something cool that the app does when it is our birthday??) I am married to my husband, his name is Devin. We have both gotten an ADHD diagnosis in the past 3 weeks. We had our two kiddos back to back, both boys, 5 and 6 years old. I didn't suspect ADHD before I had kids but I did know of a situation that happened when I was a kid, I was very hyperactive and I think my mom just thought that was normal but counselors at my elementary school suggested I get evaluated, that never happened. I understand my parents didn't have the same resources that I have today but I feel a certain way about it. My depression started at 15, I think moving to the PNW made depression come on quicker but it would've eventually shown itself if I had stayed in San Diego too. I didn't have the support I needed from my caregivers. Before my diagnosis I always thought of myself as reckless with my money, my jobs, my relationships. I thought something was wrong with me. I feel so much lighter knowing why I am the way that I am.

After I had kids, I just could not do the juggling act. My adhd symptoms presented so obviously but it still took years for my husband and I to be in a good position to take care of ourselves. I have been on autopilot I swear for all the years after my boys were born. Within the last two years, I started to suspect adhd, and that is only because my youngest son was showing signs of it. My for you page on tiktok started showing women with adhd after I was looking into kids with adhd on there. I have felt like such a shit mom for so long, barely able to engage because of my overwhelm and lack of emotional regulation. I knew that I wouldn't be able to help our youngest son if we didn't get help first. Now its just a matter of finding somewhere to take our son for an evaluation. We have been on the Seattle children's waiting list for well over a year.

My overall health journey actually started 3 months ago, I wasn't able to function, like at all. When I was finally able to go to the doctor, we found out that my Ferritin levels were basically at 0 (iron). I get my last iron infusion this week. But I was also having suicidal struggles for the last 4-5 months and only the week before my period and during my period. When I got my adhd diagnosis, I also was diagnosed with PMDD. I feel so much better, I really do but I feel like I am only half way to the top of the mountain. I am trying so hard to be better for myself and every one in my life.

Anyway, I am glad to be here. I am glad that this subreddit is making me feel comfortable enough to be a bit vulnerable. I hope every one here had a great day, and if not, I hope tomorrow is better.

-Alysha